Of the two Joaos who arrived in Barcelona last summer, it is safe to say that Cancelo has been the more successful one. The player on loan from Manchester City started the season as the team’s primary right-back option, but circumstances have forced him to shift to the left side of defence in recent games.
Despite the change in position, the Portuguese international continues to be one of Xavi’s best players on the field. His combination with the midfield and ability to churn in crosses has helped the Catalans time and time again, and all appears set for Barcelona to pull the purchase clause on his signing.
Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport ahead of Barcelona’s UCL clash against Napoli, Cancelo heaped praise on the team’s young starlet Lamine Yamal who has been the point of difference in many a recent game.
“Lamine Yamal is an incredible player. Playing for Barcelona at 16 is not for everybody. He is a special talent, but talent is not enough in football.”
Continuing on what one required to make it big in football, especially at a young age for a club with the stature of Barcelona’s the on-loan star said,
“You need mentality, and, from what I see, Lamine has it. He’ll have a great future if he remains focused and those around him help him keep his feet on the ground.”
The defender then went on to list out some of Barcelona’s other academy stars who have risen to prominence this season and in whom he saw great potential.
“Watch out for Cubarsí and Fermin. La Masia is doing a great job and developing great players.”
Moving on to the topic of Barcelona’s season to this point and the constant battle the dressing room has had to engage in with hurdles, Cancelo explained how the season was not easy for them.
“Not really. The coach [Xavi] said he’ll leave [at the end of the season], and the team has had highs and lows for the entire season. It’s difficult to explain this dynamic, but football always gives a chance for redemption,…
Source link : https://barcauniversal.com/cancelo-talks-yamal-cubarsi-xavi-fermin-osimhen-ahead-of-barcelona-vs-napoli/
Author : Adithya Eshwarla
Publish date : 2024-03-11 11:25:07
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